Weekend Breakfast with Africa

President Jacob Zuma has surprised many with his Cabinet reshuffle by keeping most of the South African Communist Party (SACP) members in their positions.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe are among the SACP members who were not axed when Zuma announced new appointments on Thursday night.

The President said he made changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness, and to bring younger MPs and women into the executive in order to benefit from their energy, experience and expertise.

Eusebius McKaiser disagrees.

He is essentially saying to the communists, 'what are you gonna do, thought I was gonna get rid of all you, I trade you Pravin Gordhan in return I will keep all of you'.

— Eusebius McKaiser

It's got nothing to do with merit, generational mix, affirming women.

— Eusebius McKaiser

There are still useless women who are still in Cabinet, so don't buy gender angle.

— Eusebius McKaiser

There are young people like Malusi Gigaba who are unsuitable unskilled to but the new finance minister. Don't think being youth confers on you beautiful skills. You can be you and useless, and unqualified.